Question:
How appropriate is it for a male Christian boss to witness to a female employee and invite her to his church, pick her up on Sunday morning then invite her to his home expecting his wife to understand that he is doing God’s work?
Answer:
I answer this in light of TODAY’s world and the issues we face today in Christianity and society.
It is appropriate for a male boss to witness to a female employee as long as the employer is not being robbed of their time by people engaging in personal religious discussions while they are supposed to be performing their duties. Now, I understand that certain companies, and certain work environments are more or less constrained concerning personal time to converse, so as a Christian you must follow your conscience on when and how much.
It is not appropriate for the male boss to witness privately to a female at work because of the obvious bad image (“boy, the boss is all alone with her”) that can send out to the others in the office. There is also the very real possibility of “witnessing” in private becoming emotional and leading to temptation and sin. Don’t fool yourself… many affairs began “innocently” by talking about God which leads to sharing private feelings which leads to a relationship.
If you witness to someone of the opposite sex (especially if one or both are married), my opinion is that you should do so out in an open public place, where your conversation could be overheard easily. If you find that more extensive and private discussions are asked for, then turn it into a group discussion with other Christians or your spouse outside of work.
If the person you are witnessing to insists on private talks with just you, then I would start to be concerned about possible temptations in their mind. Remember, it is hard enough for a Christian to be on guard and protect themselves from sin. How much easier is it for an unbeliever to become emotional attached to you because of your “care” for them? Be alert, be careful, be wise.
As for picking up the opposite sex employee for church, of course this is good deed, but it should be done as a married couple together. This guards against any chance of sending the wrong message, encouraging inappropriate behavior AND sets a good example for the unbeliever or new Christian about how a Godly marriage behaves.
Same thing for the invitation home. This should be a mutual event involving husband and wife. As a general rule, a male should do his best to avoid being alone with other women for any reason (and vice versa of course). This is simply prudent and respectful to your spouse and guards your marriage.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit. (NKJV)
Just from the sound of your question, it appears this “boss” is acting foolishly and suspiciously in several ways… which affirms the points I’m making here.
Many a man has started an illicit relationship under what appeard to be wholesome motives. This use to be almost the sole domain of males, but in recent times, women seem to be just as guilty.
Christians! Be careful, be wise, be prudent. Witness all you can. But beware of the Devil’s ways which can even turn witnessing into sin!
Readers, what advice would you give this person? Put your thoughts on the message board for everyone’s benefit. Go here…